33 Weeks 3 Days

How Far Along: 33 Weeks 3 Days (6 weeks 4 days until due date)

Size of baby:  17 inches long and weighs a little over 4 pounds (a pineapple)

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all maternity.
Weight gain: + 16 pounds (official measurement from Thursday's visit with the doctor)
Movement: Yes, her movements are slower and have moved up into my ribs; her butt digs into my ribs. Feeling Emma move is the best feeling; I feel like she's telling me that she's okay in there.
Symptoms: Uncomfortable. Emma being right under my ribs has made my upper belly ache/hurt. My right side and back is also aching. Increased appetite. Some acid reflux.
 What I miss: Not much. I'm trying not to complain too much. ;)
Cravings: hot chocolate. egg nog. margarita.
Best moment this week: Good doctor's visit.
What I am looking forward to: Christmas time with the family. I can't believe that next Christmas, we'll be a family of 3; I can't wait to start holiday traditions with Emma! Maternity photos on Thursday.
Doctor's appointment recap: Hemoglobin and urine were good; this should be the last time that the hemoglobin will be tested - they have been doing it every two months since I've been testing well. Weight gain was + 2 pounds from last time, right on track. Blood pressure was my normal low. Fundal height is measuring right on track and Emma's heartbeat was great! The doctor checked Emma's positioning and Emma was still head down, with her little butt up. I'll go back in two weeks and will be tested for Group Strep B.

Greg's first assemblage - the swing.

The finished product!

32 Weeks 4 Days

How Far Along: 32 Weeks  4 Days (7 weeks 3 days until due date)

Size of baby:  16.7 inches long and weighs 3.75 pounds (size of a large jicama)

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all maternity.

Weight gain: + 16 pounds (official measurement Thursday at Doctor's appt.)

Movement: Still very active, about once an hour. Emma was quiet for two days this past week, moving but not as often.

Symptoms: Hiccups have lessened a good bit. Tired. Uncomfortable. Trying not too complain too often.

 What I miss: Energy and being more agile. Excited and ready for Emma's arrival.

Cravings: Baking has commenced. I can't seem to get enough sweets, which isn't all related to pregnancy.

Best moment this week: Greg and I are getting the few last items needed for Emma's nursery. (I wanted to get this done before January so that I don't have to do anything during that month.) The Nutcracker was great - enjoyed the music and dancing. We are also trained in adult, child and infant CPR, which was our last class at St. Mary's. Next hospital visit will be for Emma's birthday.

What I am looking forward to: Short work week then Christmas week. Greg and I are going to enjoy our last quiet Christmas for awhile! Doctor's appointment Thursday.

31 Weeks 6 Days

How Far Along: 31 Weeks 6 Days (8 weeks 1 days until due date)

Size of baby:  16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds (about 4 navel oranges)

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all maternity
Weight gain: + 14 pounds (official measurement from Thursday's visit to the doctor)
Movement: Emma has found a new toy to play with inside me. She used to like to kick/punch the bladder but now her legs have found my ribs. Ouch - this is uncomfortable! Her movement's are pretty regular; I feel movement at least once an hour. I don't know if it's normal for a baby to move in utero this often, but I can stare for hours at the belly movements!
Symptoms: acid reflux. sore. sides of the belly is achy - the skin stretching? Tired. Swollen feet. Some cramping
 What I miss: being more active/energetic.
Cravings: Anything that's in front of me, I will eat. I have a sweet tooth.
Best moment this week: Finishing up the Christmas shopping, childbirth class, doctor's appointment
What I am looking forward to: Infant CPR class this weekend.
Doctor's appointment recap: urine and blood pressure (98/60) were good. It's weird to me that my blood pressure has continued to drop; from what I read, it usually goes up in the 3rd T. Weight gain has been right on track. Greg had to ask where the baby was positioned, so the Dr. pressed hard all around my belly. Emma was head down, with her butt pressing hard against my side (uncomfortable!). She's moved a little bit since then but I think that she prefers being head down; I feel her hiccups low in the belly. Doctor said that everything is right on track and they'll start doing an inside investigation at 34/35 weeks, which is right after Christmas. My next appointment is Thursday, December 22.
Childbirth Education recap: This was a 9am - 4pm class that we had on Saturday and it was LONG! We watched videos and had floor mat exercises for breathing/relaxation techniques.For the video, I think they found women that had the most extreme and painful births. The instructor was an advocate of natural (no drugs) delivery but I still plan on having an epidural. Out of about 8 couples, 2 other couples had the same due date.

30 Weeks 4 Days

How Far Along: 30 Weeks 4 Days (9 weeks 3 days until due date)

Size of baby:  15.7 inches long and weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage)

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, mostly all maternity. The dress in the picture above is non-maternity (hope I didn't stretch it out too badly!)
Weight gain: + 14 pounds
Movement: YES!! Emma is very active; in the morning, she starts low in my belly and travels up through the day. Her movement can get uncomfortable at times. I can't really figure out in which direction she is laying in but I do feel her hiccups down in my belly, which makes me think that she is head down during this time.
Sleep: I'm not sleeping that great lately; I've been tossing & turning. Hopefully, I can catch up this weekend on sleep.
Symptoms: Tired from lack of sleep. A little swollen in my legs/feet if I'm standing for too long. Increased appetite.
 What I miss: Not much; I'm excited that we are going to meet Emma in less than 10 weeks.
Cravings: None this week.
Best moment this week: I thoroughly enjoyed Emma's baby shower on Sunday and can't wait to put everything away! Let's not even think about the game this weekend ...
What I am looking forward to: Busy week ahead; doctor's appointment on Thursday (the weighing in will be a little scary with Thanksgiving and the baby showers occuring in the past few weeks). All day childbirth class on Saturday.

29 Weeks 6 Days

How Far Along: 29 Weeks 6 Days (10 weeks 1 day until due date)

Size of baby:  15 inches long and weighs 2.5 pounds (size of a butternut squash).

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, tops and bottoms. I'm close to all maternity tops - baby has grown and don't want to expose the belly in public! I think that I can still get away with wearing a few non-maternity dresses.
Weight gain: + 12 pounds (official measurement last Tuesday, November 22, from the MD appointment)
Movement: YES! Emma is active all throughout the day, although I think it's getting a little cramped in there; Her movements are slower.
Sleep: Sleeping okay. Waking up a few times with dry cough, although I am finally getting over this cold.
Symptoms: Developed a cold. Other than that, doing great!
 What I miss: Not too much - the growing belly is a bit daunting.
Cravings: Homemade chocolate chip cookies - delicious! (Greg said the batter was the worst thing he's ever tasted - note the sarcasm)
Best moment this week: Good visit with the OB. Blood pressure & urine are perfect. Fundal height is right on track and weight gain is going well (slowed down dramatically from last visit). We had a great time at the baby shower - I'll be blogging and posting pictures about it sometime early next week.
What I am looking forward to: Atlanta Baby Shower this weekend.
BellyButton: still an "innie" but stretching out. Greg's excited that it's almost an "outie" 

28 Weeks 4 Days

How Far Along: 28 Weeks 4 Days (11 weeks 3 days until due date)

Size of baby:  14.8 inches long and weighs 2.25 pounds (size of a Chinese cabbage).

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, tops and bottoms. I'm close to all maternity tops - baby has grown and don't want to expose the belly in public!
Weight gain: + 13 pounds
Movement: YES! Emma is active all throughout the day. Greg feels her bouncing around almost on a nightly basis and thinks he felt her foot during one of her rambunctious moments. I love to watch my belly move and shake with the forces of Emma.
Sleep: Sleeping great; hopefully my snoring isn't disturbing Greg's sleep too much. Greg says I roll to my back a lot.
Symptoms: Not too bad. Some acid reflux, tired, back hurts if I'm sitting for too long.
 What I miss: Nothing. I can't complain, really, with the pregnancy so far. It's been enjoyable and I'm getting excited about meeting Emma.
Cravings: Sweets - trying not to eat too much.
Best moment this week: Feeling Emma move, every hour or so. UGA vs KY was ugly on Saturday but it's great to be SEC East Champions; hope we get tickets to the SEC championship so that Greg can go.
What I am looking forward to: off to Savannah for the holiday weekend: excited about Savannah baby shower! Doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Short work week.

Baby Classes

Oh yes, the exhilirating busyness of finalizing preparations for Emma has begun. Our classes started this week. Greg and I signed up for as many classes as we could and two of these classes were this past Monday & Tuesday: Baby Nutrition (breastfeeding) and Baby Basics. With something going on every weekend until the end of December, time is going to fly by! (Although, the pregnancy has been going by very quickly - I can't believe that we are in the 3rd Trimester and 7 months along.)

The husbands were encouraged to attend the breastfeeding class; Greg is still unsure why he had to go but he'll probably go with me for the second class too, unless he has to travel for business. The first hour was very boring and pointless - the video was advocating breastfeeding. Why sign up for the class if you aren't going to breastfeed? I did learn that I will be nursing within one hour of the birth so let's hope that I will remember the basics when I'm drugged up and exhausted. (Yes please for the epidural/spinal) I am going to make nursing work but let's hope that Emma let's Mommy have an easy time with it. We go back the week after thanksgiving for the 2nd portion of the class.

Baby basics was interesting; we learned to change diapers, swaddle and bathe the baby. We also had a small tour around St. Mary's. Although we didn't have too much of a decision to make, I am glad that we chose St. Mary's because of the one-on-one attention by the staff. The rooms are nice & roomy. It's also a Catholic hospital and they have daily prayers read over the intercom twice a day. Emma will be born in the same town where Greg and I went to college and met; also, the same town where we spend many, many Saturdays.

Greg & I are exhausted after the fun weekend of tailgating and football, combined with these two classes after work on Monday and Tuesday. We are looking forward to sleeping in this weekend, attending the last home game of 2011 and Molly's 1st Birthday Party.

27 Weeks 6 Days

How Far Along: 27 Weeks 6 Days (12 weeks 1 days until due date)

Size of baby:  14.5 inches long and weighs almost 2 pounds (size of a head of a cauliflower).

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes, tops and bottoms. I'm close to all maternity tops too - baby has grown and too much belly!
Weight gain: + 12 pounds
Movement: Depends on the day. Some days, Emma is very active, especially when I am sitting at the desk all day. During the weekends, I don't feel her as often probably because I'm on my feet or on the go. I have felt her hiccup a few times, which feels like a consistent light kick. My belly moves around with her movement and Greg has felt her move, most nights, when we are in bed.
Sleep: I'm SO tired when I get home from work but try to keep myself busy so I won't take a nap on the couch. Once asleep, I'm sleeping fairly well.
Symptoms: I'm tired all the time. I've been uncomfortable several times throughout this week with a tightness across the belly. Acid reflux has been bad - makes me nauseous at bedtime. I think the ease of the 2nd trimester has come to an end and it looks like the 3rd T might be the worst part, most likely due to growth. I also had a leg cramp Saturday night - maybe from too much standing at the game?
 What I miss: I think that Greg misses less hormones. I'm not going to lie, I miss cookie dough. It was extremely hard this week NOT to eat cookie dough when making oatmeal cookies.
Cravings: I miss chocolate milk and hot chocolate - thanks Greg for buying some hot chocolate yesterday!Best moment this week: Ending the 2nd trimester. Beating Auburn and tailgating. Baby Nutrition and Baby Basic classes - I'll blog about the classes later.
What I am looking forward to: Last home football game (vs. Kentucky) - to clinch the SEC East.

26 Weeks 3 Days

How Far Along: 26 Weeks 3 Days (13 weeks 4 days until due date)

Size of baby:  14 inches long and 1 2/3 pounds (size of an English hothouse cucumber).

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Trying to dig in the closet for more clothing options. Comfy is the way to go. I can still get away with wearing maternity tank top under regular long sleeve cotton t-shirt.
Weight gain: + 11 pounds (official measurement from the Doctor)

Movement: Emma is active throughout the day. The glucose test on Tuesday wiped me out but kept her active ALL day. her movements are getting strong enough to make the belly move.
Sleep: It usually doesn't take too long to fall asleep but waking up several times throughout the night.
Symptoms: I'm tired all the time. I'm exercising but walking seems like I'm running a full sprint. Also, clumsiness and being uncomfortable.
What I miss: Bending over, getting up smoothly from a chair, being more active.
Cravings: Eating apple pie this week - yum! I've cut out the chocolate milk for the week because I feel like I'm buying the bottle of Hershey syrup way too often.
Best moment this week: Dawgs beating the Gators. Positive visit at the doctor's: Blood pressure: 120/71, weight gain: 11 pounds, Fundal height is measuring one week ahead. Passed glucose test; no gestational diabetes! Next appointment is three weeks away: November 22. After that, I visit every two weeks.
What I am looking forward to: The next two months are going to fly by with baby classes, baby showers, holidays, maternity photos, football.

25 Weeks 3 Days

How Far Along: 25 Weeks 3 Days

Size of baby:  13.5 inches long and 1.5 pounds (size of an average rutabaga).

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes. I like the button down non-maternity shirts/sweaters over a camisole.
Weight gain: + 10 pounds (official measurement at Doctor's on Tuesday)

Movement: Emma is very active off & on all day. I felt her flip over the other night as the movements started on one side of the belly and ended up on the other side. Emma recognizes Greg's voice and gave him a good, strong kick in the ear when he was listening to her this past week.
Sleep: Okay. Falling asleep really quickly but waking up a few times in the early AM. Also, Greg says when I end up on my back, my snoring is out of control.
Symptoms: Tired. My body thinks that bedtime is 9PM. Little acid reflux.
What I miss: Energy.
Cravings: The pumpkin pie was delicious last week but know I'm craving apple pie. Chocolate milk is still a nightly snack.
Best moment this week: Nice, relaxing weekend with Greg. Emma kicking Greg.
What I am looking forward to: Monthly doctor's visit on Tuesday, November 1. Glucose test this day. I can't believe that we have 15 weeks to go until due date.

Emma's Nursery

Enjoy these pictures of Emma's nursery. We have the walls painted a light green and one purple accent wall. I think that the room turned out great!:

24 Weeks 3 Day

How Far Along: 24 Weeks 3 Day
Size of baby:  Over 1 pound and almost a foot long. Emma is the size of an ear of corn.
Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes! It warmed up this past week, so had to go back to wearing shorts and dresses, then later in the week it was back to jeans and long sleeves.
Weight gain: +  9 pounds

Movement: Emma isn't consistent with her timing just yet for movement. Some days she is more active than others. She has been very active in the morning.
Sleep: Sleeping great. I do get tired of sleeping on my left side, though.
Symptoms: A little heartburn and acid reflux.
What I miss: Getting off the couch without help. At times, I prefer sitting on the floor with a pillow chair against the sofa to give more back support. Our couches are too cushion-y for my tastes.
Cravings: Candy corn wasn't as great as I expected it to be - too sweet for my taste buds. Thank goodness we purchased non-chocolate Halloween candy or I wouldn't be able to resist the temptation.
Best moment this week: Clean bill of health from the dentist. Also, Greg heard Emma's heartbeat by listening through my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Dragging Greg to the Monroe Fall Festival today. I'm getting very excited about upcoming Baby Showers; time is flying by!

23 Weeks 3 Days

 

How Far Along: 23 Weeks 3 Days

Size of baby:  more than 11 inches long and weighs just over 1 pound. Emma is the size of a large mango.

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes! Still wearing a few non-maternity tops but all bottoms are maternity.

Weight gain: + 7 pounds

Movement: Emma's movement lasts longer and longer. She is moving, kicking and punching a few times a day but hasn't been consistent this week as to what time of day she is active.

Sleep: A few nightmares in the early morning but other than that, sleeping great.

Symptoms: I want to go to bed a little earlier than normal but other than that, I feel great. The bump itches a little bit.

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.

Cravings: Candy corn - it will be purchased this week!

Best moment this week: Feeling Emma move all afternoon on Thursday. Also, my iPhone arriving in the mail - first smartphone for me.

What I am looking forward to: Six months next week. Next year, we will be taking Emma to pumpkin patches.

(I'll be taking pictures of the nursery this week so stay tuned.)

Stacy's Graduation Weekend and Doctor's Visit

Greg and I were able to enjoy a long weekend 2 weekends ago. Thursday was Stacy's graduation from BCT so we drove the three hours to Columbia, SC. It was a culture shock visiting the base and we were very thankful that it wasn't too hot. I'm so glad that we were finally able to see Stacy after several long months. Now that she has her cell phone and laptop, Stacy and I should be able to communicate a little bit more. It was a very full house Thursday night with Mom, Dad, Stacy and Derrick visiting but we made it work. Stacy was able to enjoy a delicious meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant - Agua Linda's in Athens. I will also mention that Stacy bought Emma her very first UGA cheerleading outfit and first faux boots. Emma's parents were very excited, Greg more so about the cheerleading uniform!

All of our houseguests were up before us on Friday morning - sorry, 8:30 is early enough on a non work day. After lunch, everyone except Greg and I, left to take Stacy to Columbus, SC for her next phase.

Mom and Dad joined us for the Mississippi State game on Saturday. UGA won as expected and, since it was a noon game, we were able to watch football at the house for the rest of the afternoon/evening. (I will say one positive thing about not drinking alcohol: I'm not as tired after being out in the sun for few hours.)

Greg and I enjoyed a quiet Sunday that flew by way too quickly.

Our monthly doctor's visit was Tuesday, October 4th. We saw a new Dr this time - Dr. Jarrett. I didn't get my blood pressure measurements but the nurse said that my hemoglobin was excellent and I'll be tested every other month for that. Dr. Jarrett measured the fundus (top of the uterus), which was the first time for us, and listened to Emma's heartbeat. Everything was right on track. I also got my flu shot at the doctor's visit so that's taken care of. I visit the dentist on the 17th and my next checkup will be November 2. November 2 will include the glucose test.

22 Weeks 4 Days

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of baby:  11 inches long and weighs 1 pound (wow!) Emma is the length of a spaghetti squash.

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes! I prefer the full belly panel so that the maternity pants won't slip off my non-existent waist. I love the elastic - so comfortable.

Weight gain: + 6 pounds

Movement: Emma is very active and her moves are stronger and stronger each day. Of course, she does weigh a pound.  

Sleep: Sleeping great; little to no bathroom trips.

Symptoms: Minimal back pain. Slow to get up - Greg is kind enough to give me a boost off the couch when he's around. Sinuses are acting up this week - I'm going to start using the neti pot.

What I miss: More energy; I feel so lazy!

Cravings: Anything that is mentioned or pops into my head - it all sounds good to me.

Best moment this week: Good report from the Doctor. Also, Greg was only out of town for one day this week; it's nice to have him around.

What I am looking forward to: Fall weather and long sleeve shirts.

21 Weeks 6 Days

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 21 Weeks 6 Days
Size of baby: Emma is approximately 10.5 inches long and weighs 3/4ths of a pound. She is the length of a carrot.
Gender: GIRL - Emma
Maternity Clothes: maternity bottoms. Some regular and maternity tops, depending on length.
Weight gain: + 6 pounds; official measurement from Doctor's visit.
Movement: Yes, more consistent movement several times throughout the day. She's very active when I'm heading to bed.
Sleep: Sleeping great! Have to go to the bathroom maybe once during the night.
Symptoms: Some ligament pain and gas pain.
What I miss: Being more active. It's a struggle some nights to get up and walk.
Cravings: Chocolate milk is still a favorite.
Best moment this week: Greg finished painting Emma's room and it looks great! (I think that Greg is very thankful that it's not pink walls.) We also got to see Stacy and it is nice to talk with her on the phone again. Also, had good doctor's visit.
What I am looking forward to: Cooler weather.

Sorry for lack of picture - will take one tomorrow for 22 weeks. I'm getting bigger!

Time is flying by!

This journey started in May, when Greg and I decided to move forward and start a family. It was time. Both of us were nonchalant and thought let's see what happens. Now, five months into our journey, we are unbelievably excited. We almost have the nursery completed; Greg finished up the painting on Sunday and it looks adorable!
Some days, I wonder if the bump is supposed to be this big or this small - what is the norm? Most of the time, I just go with the flow and try my best to eat right, exercise, and relax. Are we ready? Heck no! But, we are getting there. I just signed us up for classes at St. Mary's this week; we are taking them all: Baby Nutrition (breastfeeding), Childbirth Education, CPR, and Baby Basics. Greg thinks that the breastfeeding class might be a waste of time since the lactation consultant will visit with us in the hospital, but I want to be prepared (and feel clueless about the process). I just started reading What to Expect: 1st year because I know that these next few months are going to fly by like the first 5 did.

Emma's registry is complete. Does she need all of this stuff? Of course not, but it might make our lives a little bit easier with Emma. My thoughts are constantly moving a mile a minute; Greg calls it being antsy. I'm constantly thinking and trying to prepare. Greg and I are usually very organized; however, Emma is such a new part of our lives that, sometimes, we feel like we have no idea what we are doing, or what the next step is. I want to start making bows and hair accessories for Emma so have started to look online and find free "how to" guides - I'm trying not to get ahead of myself and have a million projects going on but since Greg has been traveling a lot recently, it might be a good idea for me to have small projects to do while he's away.

We are enjoying the pregnancy, and Emma. I'm starting to feel Emma more & more and talk to her when I'm driving to work or feel her move. Greg has felt her move and encourages her to kick, punch, and flip. I love that we know the gender and can put a proper name to the movements and growing bump. It makes it all seem more realistic.

We are going to be parents! I'm going to be a Mom and Greg is going to be a Dad. I would say that it makes me feel like a grownup, but Greg thinks that car payments and a mortgage made us grownups first. Parenthood - tt's a little scary, overwhelming, and exciting but it feels right!

20 Weeks 3 Days

20 Weeks 3 Days

How Far Along: 20 Weeks 3 Days; 5 months.

Size of baby:  Weighs 10.5 ounces and is 6.5 inches in length, from head to rump. 10 inches from head to heel (size of a banana).

Gender: Girl - Emma

Maternity Clothes: yes, all maternity bottoms. Still can wear some non maternity tops, but most of them don't seem long enough.

Weight gain: + 2 pounds

Movement: Yes, I usually feel Emma a few times in the morning; 9-10pm is when she really moves, flipping and kicking. Greg felt her move on Wednesday - he was very excited

Sleep: Sleeping okay. The rain this past week has helped. Usually up to the bathroom around midnight and 5:30. 

Symptoms: More tired. Stomach is growing on a daily basis.

What I miss: Energy. I feel so tired after work.

Cravings: Changes on a daily basis. Greg did buy some chocolate syrup and I've been enjoying chocolate milk all week.

Best moment this week: Starting to ready the nursery; Greg has painted the nursery. Also, washed Emma's clothes that we have bought for her; I can't wait until she wears them!

What I am looking forward to: Watching college football from the comfort of our home today. First away game of the year (vs. Ole Miss) and I'm thinking that a Saturday nap might be a good idea.

19 Weeks 3 Days

19 Weeks 2 Days

How Far Along:  19 Weeks 2 Days

Size of baby:  6 inches (size of an heirloom tomato) and weighs 8.5 ounces

Gender: GIRL, Emma

Maternity Clothes: Yes. Maternity bottoms and dresses. I can still wear some regular tops, if they are long enough.

Weight gain:  + 2 pounds

Movement: Yes. Slight, inconsistent movement in lower abdomen area. I can't tell if Emma is moving around or kicking, but I love feeling her!

Sleep: Sleeping well, for the most part. Usually up to go to the bathroom once.

Symptoms: Still feeling great. I have noticed slightly swollen feet during football games, from being on my feet. Also, about passed out at the USC game this past Saturday, due to heat, sun and dehydration. I'm trying to take good care of myself by propping the feet up whenever possible, eating right, and exercising.

What I miss: I've toned down the celebrating at UGA football games quite a bit - limiting the jumping up and down.

Cravings: The 5 cheese and crackers that I have for a snack - delicious.

Best moment this week: Finding out the gender, clothes and bedding shopping for Emma.

What I am looking forward to: Looking forward to meeting Emma in February. 

Results: Blue or Pink?!?

Greg and I are very pleased to announce that we are having a girl: Emma Diane Wassel!

We visited a perinatologist, Dr. Rosemond, Monday morning to make sure that the baby doesn't have any neural tube defects. Emma cooperated and waved her little butt in the air to show us the three little dots to let us know that she is a she. (I thought it was a boy but everyone else, including Greg, knew it was a girl.) She has a beautiful, long spine and was nestled up against my bladder, which explains the many bathroom trips. After constant pokes and prods by the ultrasound tech, Emma woke up and was moving all over the place. It was a baby anatomy lesson for us; the tech and MD pointed out many of the tiny parts: cerebellum, frontal lobe, right & left ventricles, stomach, kidneys. The MD found a small hemorrhage to explain the very slight bleeding I have had. He says that it may bleed a little bit more or be absorbed by the placenta. It was a very interesting visit and, luckily, we do not have any follow ups with the perinatologist. My  next regular doctor's appointment is Tuesday, October 4th.

Needless to say, I am ecstatic! I am very fortunate to have had an easy pregnancy so far and have been very calm during the entire pregnancy. Now, it's time to become more excited & start shopping! Greg went shopping for a little bit while I headed back to work. He picked up many cute clothes for next Summer and we also visited BRU (Babies R Us) last night so I could get some shopping done too.

18 Weeks 5 Days

How Far Along: 18 weeks 5 Days
Size of baby: 5.5 inches long(length of a bell pepper) and weighs 7 ounces.

Gender: We'll find out TOMORROW!

Maternity Clothes: mixture of maternity and regular clothes. I prefer dresses and loose tops - the belly doesn't like a too constricting top.
Weight gain: + 1 pound. (Yes, I think that I've finally gained this week.)

Movement: Is it the baby going bump, bump, bump or too early to tell? A new feeling this week in the abdomen area makes me think that it's the baby moving and kicking; although, it's not consistent.
Sleep: For some reason, I haven't been going to the bathroom at night near as often as I did; it's time to pick the pace back up with drinking water. Of course the one week that I wouldn't be waking Greg up is the week that he travels for 3 nights.
Symptoms: I'm exhausted this week. It's been difficult to get off the couch and walk on the treadmill. The chillier weather might have something to do with it.

What I miss: I'm not going to lie - I would have liked a few beers while tailgating on Saturday but I resisted, of course.

Cravings: Greg thinks this is disgusting: Totino's pizza. Yes, I had unhealthy, cheap pizza one night while Greg was out of town ... and it was delicious!

Best moment this week: Listening to the wa-wump of the baby's heartbeat.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender TOMORROW!